§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken to increase the number of staff available in Islamabad to deal with applications from people seeking visas to enter the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LuardThe number of entry clearance officers at the British Embassy's immigration section in Islamabad was increased from 16 to the present level of 18 in 1975. It is the largest immigration section in any British mission in the world. Further staff increases would not be possible while current financial and manpower constraints continue.
§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average time now taken between an applicant applying, and the date of interview, for consideration, of persons wishing to come to the United Kingdom from Pakistan, at the United Kingdom's Islamabad Embassy.
§ Mr. LuardI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Brigg and Scunthorpe (Mr. Ellis) on 10th November.—[Vol. 957, c. 355.]